Originally Posted by Deviant I have no plans to drill into the actually machine plate. This would have negative effects on it's retail value.
The plan was to make a plate that is the full length/width of the existing table. And never remove that place. Additional fixtures would be made to mount onto that plate in a manner that allows you to switch out for each machine process.
I will be doing alot of one-off type stuff. But I have a few items that I will make several off. This is what I'm looking to speed up. I'm also looking at the possibility of utilizing homing switchs so I can dummy proof the parts.
I don't doubt that I can make a smaller table, but I'm a little confused how to make a table that is the full width/length of the machines table. I'm not sure how to go about the clamping to the table. Since I will need to flycut both sides before I drill/tap any holes.
I figured it would be easier for someone with a larger mill to make something like this. |
This is how we do it for one of the machines at work. I've never actually seen that mill table. The entire table is covered with a slab of 1.5" thick steel. The steel has many drilled and tapped holes in it, probably enough for 15 or so fixtures. When this machine makes a part, it usually is going to be making a lot. So we just switch the fixtures, it does not take long to setup then.
How about buying a piece of precut steel (precut on the outer dimensions) a little smaller in length than the mill table. Clamp it down on the outer edges. Now run a CNC program which will drill the holes for everything you need. Save a few holes to mount the plate to the table, and one a program again to face it all perfectly flat and as smooth as you can get it.